Knee replacements are a major surgery that can benefit people who have certain troubles. The last thing that a patient thinks will happen is an implant failure. Unfortunately, this is possible, especially when certain factors are present.
It is imperative that individuals who need this type of surgery only work with a surgeon who is skilled in the procedure and with whom they feel comfortable. Long-term care is essential for people who have this procedure since problems can creep up years down the road.
Some patients don’t receive the pain relief and stability they expected from the knee replacement. This might be a sign that something is amiss. There are several reasons the implant might fail, and most of them will require revision surgery.
The surgeon must put the implant in correctly, but this might not be the same for every patient. They must ensure that they take the patient’s specific factors into account when determining what type of implant and procedure to use. When the surgeon doesn’t take the time to do this, the patient can suffer. This type of negligence is never acceptable.
Another issue that occurs sometimes is that the implant wears out or loosens. This can cause pain, but this isn’t always due to negligence. Implant components can wear down over time through regular use. This is common in patients who are overweight and those who take part in high-impact activities.
Scar tissue can lead to stiffness in the knee. In many cases, the treatment is manipulation while you are under anesthesia. If this doesn’t work, you might need surgery to address the limited range of motion and stiffness.
Infection is another possibility since this is a surgical procedure, but it might not be noticeable for years after the surgery. Treating this is sometimes difficult because traditional antibiotic treatments might not work. You may need surgery to wash the bacteria out and replace the plastic spacer. Alternatively, the surgeon may need to remove the implant and insert a cement spacer treated with antibiotics. Several weeks later, they remove the spacer and insert a new implant. During the period between surgeries, you will take intravenous antibiotics.
Patients who need a revision because of a surgical error or negligence might opt to seek compensation for the damages they face. These can include the cost of treating the issue, revising the implant, and taking time off work due to the problem.
At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning how we can help you resolve your legal concern.Call us today: (406) 259-9986